Disposable/single-use blade lancet device and method

ABSTRACT

Single-use blade lancet device includes a body having a rear end and a front end. A triggering mechanism has a blade tip opening and is mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/719,647 filed Mar. 8, 2010 which is a divisional of application Ser.No. 11/265,151, filed Nov. 3, 2005, The disclosures of each of theseapplications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a disposable and/or single-use blade lancetdevice, and to a method of using a disposable and/or single-use bladelancet device. In particular, the invention relates to an inexpensiveblade lancet device which may be both disposable and/or made for singleuse, i.e., can be used once and discarded. The blade lancet device hasparticular application in a medical service environment (e.g., doctor'soffice, nurse's station, or hospital) in taking a blood sample from aninfant by, e.g., pricking the infant's heel, in order to diagnose and/orcheck for, e.g., bilirubin.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Lancet needle devices are commonly used to prick the skin of the user sothat one or more drops of blood may be extracted for testing. Someusers, such as diabetics, for example, may have to test their bloodsugar levels several times a day. This may be accomplished by the userusing a simple needle. However, this procedure is often problematic forthe user since the needle may be difficult to handle. Moreover,controlling the depth of penetration cannot be reliably accomplishedwithout the use of a mechanical device. Additionally, many users simplycannot perform the procedure owing to either a fear of needles orbecause they lack a steady hand. As a result, lancet devices have beendeveloped which allow the user to more easily and reliably perform thisprocedure.

Incision devices are used to create a small incision in the skin of auser for various purposes such as for determining a bleeding time andfor taking a blood sample. However, such devices typically utilize aplunging blade movement which can be painful. Other devices utilize aslicing movement which can also be painful. Still other devices providefor a controlled blade path such that the blade depth increases anddecreases between a point of maximum depth. However, such devices arecomplex and utilize may parts.

An improved device would allow the user to easily, safely, smoothly, andin a less painful manner, form a small incision in the skin. Such adevice would also be disposable and inexpensive to use. Finally, such adevice would be ergonomically shaped, compact in size, easy to store andpackage, easy to use, and would overcome some of the disadvantagesdescribed above.

Thus, while advances have been made, there is a continuing need for ablade lancet device which provides for convenient, reliable and easyuse. The device should also be inexpensively made (i.e., by utilizingfewer parts or components) so that it can be economically used a singletime and thereafter disposed of.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a single-useblade lancet device, comprising a body comprising a rear end and a frontend. A triggering mechanism comprises a blade tip opening. Thetriggering mechanism is at least one of associated with the body andmounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the bodyand comprises a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable atleast between a first retracted position, an extended position, and asecond retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade memberfrom the first retracted position towards the extended position and thentowards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides theblade member while the blade member moves from the first retractedposition towards the extended position and then towards the secondretracted position. During movement of the blade member, the guidingarrangement ensures that the blade member both moves along a curved pathand slides in a linear direction which is substantially parallel to anaxis extending from the blade tip opening to the rear end of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the biasing arrangementcomprises a spring.

According to one aspect of the invention, the biasing arrangementcomprises at least one extension spring.

According to one aspect of the invention, the biasing arrangementcomprises at least one torsion spring.

According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering mechanism ismovably mounted to the front end of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering mechanismcomprises a cap portion which, at least in the first retracted position,extends out from the body, and at least one arm arranged within thebody.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a firsthousing part connected to a second housing part.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member comprises abody portion made of one material and a blade tip portion made of adifferent material.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangementcomprises two projections coupled to the blade member, a pivotallymounted connecting member, and two substantially parallel guidingmembers coupled to the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangementcomprises two spaced apart guiding projections coupled to one housingpart of the body and two spaced apart guiding projections coupled toanother housing part of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangementcomprises at least two generally circular projections, a movably mountedconnecting member, and at least two spaced apart generally linear guidemembers.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangementcomprises first and second projections extending from one side of theblade member, a movably mounted connecting member having one end movablyconnected to the first projection and another end movably connected to aportion of the body, and a slide movably coupled to the secondprojection and movably guided by two spaced apart members coupled to thebody.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangementcomprises a plurality of non-movable projections, a movably mountedconnecting member, guiding members coupled to the body, and a movablyguided slide.

According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering mechanismcomprises two arms which deflect away from each other to cause automaticmovement of the blade member from the first retracted position to theextended position and then to the second retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the front end of the bodycomprises a generally rectangular-shaped opening which receives thereina generally rectangular-shaped portion of the triggering mechanism.

According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering mechanismcomprises at least one arm which deflects to cause automatic movement ofthe blade member from the first retracted position to another moreretracted position, then to the extended position, and then to thesecond retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a generallyrectangular-shaped body having ergonomically-shaped finger grippingportions.

According to one aspect of the invention, the device may furthercomprise a removable cap member which prevents triggering when installedon the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body is a generallyrectangular-shaped body which comprises two generally planar sidesdefining a thickness, wherein each said side has a finger grippingportion, and wherein the thickness is less than half of a width of thebody and less than half of the length of the body, whereby the length ismeasured between the front and rear ends of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the width is less than thelength of the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the device may furthercomprise a removable safety device configured to prevent movement of theblade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member comprisesgenerally rectangular-shaped metal plate with a pointed blade tipdefined by a tapered sharpened edge and a straight blunt edge.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement guidesa blade tip of the blade member along a curved path.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement guidesa blade tip of the blade member along a partially circular path.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises oppositelyarranged projecting ribs which movably guide the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member is pivotallymounted at two spaced apart locations.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member comprises awidth, a thickness and a length, wherein the width is less than thelength, and wherein the width is greater than the thickness by a factorof at least five.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade member comprises awidth, a thickness and a length, wherein the width is less than thelength, and wherein the width is greater than the thickness by a factorof at least ten.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement atleast comprises two spaced apart ribs coupled to the body, a slidelinearly guided by the two spaced apart ribs, a first projection of theblade member extending into an opening of the slide, and a connectingmember having one end movably mounted to a projection of the body andanother end movably connected to a second projection of the blademember.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises at leastone opening through which a portion of the triggering mechanismprotrudes.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises anergonomic shape to facilitate gripping.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a two-pieceplastic body and the triggering mechanism comprises a one-piece memberhaving a cap portion and two deflecting arms.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a two-pieceplastic body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises internalprojecting fins which guide the movement of the blade member within thebody.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade tip opening is arectangular-shaped opening.

According to one aspect of the invention, the blade tip opening is arectangular-shaped slot.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofpuncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein,wherein the method comprises disposing a front end of the device againsta user's skin, forcing the device against the user's skin in order toactivate the triggering mechanism and thereby cause a blade tip of theblade member to penetrate and cut the user's skin, and preventing theuser from moving the blade member to the extended position and to thefirst retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofpuncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein,wherein the method comprises disposing the device against a user's skin,moving the triggering mechanism to automatically cause a blade tip ofthe blade member to penetrate the user's skin, and preventing the userfrom moving the blade member to the extended position and to the firstretracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofpuncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein,wherein the method comprises disposing a front end of the device againsta user's skin, causing the triggering mechanism to move into the bodythereby causing movement of the blade member from the first retractedposition to another more retracted position, then to the extendedposition and then to the second retracted position, and preventing thetriggering mechanism from moving back to an initial position prior tothe causing.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofpuncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein,wherein the method comprises disposing a front end of the device againsta user's skin, triggering the triggering mechanism to cause a blade tipof the blade member to penetrate the user's skin, and preventing theuser from moving the triggering mechanism to an original armed orextended position.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofpuncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein,wherein the method comprises removing a removable safety device or capfrom the body, disposing the triggering mechanism against a user's skin,and triggering the device to cause movement of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofpuncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein,wherein the method comprises removing a removable safety device or capfrom the body, disposing the device against a user's skin, andtriggering the device to cause movement of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofpuncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein,wherein the method comprises removing a removable safety device fromengagement with the front end of the body, disposing a front end of thedevice against a user's skin, and moving the triggering mechanism intothe body to cause movement of the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofpuncturing a surface of skin using any of the devices described herein,wherein the method comprises removing a removable safety device fromengagement with the device, disposing a front end of the device againsta user's skin, and triggering the triggering mechanism to cause movementof the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a disposableand single-use blade lancet device, comprising a body comprising a rearend and a front end, a cap member arranged at the front end of the bodyand comprising a blade tip opening, a blade member movably mountedwithin the body and comprising a front end and a rear end, the blademember being movable at least between a first retracted position, anextended position, and a second retracted position that is differentthan the first retracted position, a biasing device that causes movementof the blade member from the first retracted position towards theextended position and then towards the second retracted position, and aguiding arrangement that at least comprises first and secondprojections, a connecting member movably coupled to the first projectionand a portion of the body, and a slide movably coupled to the secondprojection and slidably engagable with another portion of the body,wherein the guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blademember moves from the first retracted position towards the extendedposition and then towards the second retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cap member comprises atriggering mechanism, whereby movement of the cap member to apredetermined location automatically causes movement of the blade memberfrom the first retracted position towards the extended position and thentowards the second retracted position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the body comprises a generallyrectangular-shaped body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangement guidesthe rear end of the blade member along a first curved path while thefront end of the blade member moves linearly and along a second curvedpath that is shorter than the first curved path.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first and secondprojections are connected to the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first and secondprojections are integrally formed with the blade member.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a disposableand single-use blade lancet device, comprising a body comprising a rearend and a front end, a trigger device having a blade tip opening andbeing at least one of associated with the body and mounted to the body,a blade member movably mounted within the body and comprising a frontportion and a rear portion, the blade member being movable between afirst retracted position, an extended position, and a second retractedposition, a biasing arrangement that biases the blade member from thefirst retracted position towards the extended position and then towardsthe second retracted position, and a guiding arrangement guides theblade member while the blade member moves from the first retractedposition towards the extended position and then towards the secondretracted position, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises a slidewhich linearly guides the front portion of the blade member and aconnecting member which guides the rear portion of the blade memberalong a curved path.

According to one aspect of the invention, the guiding arrangementfurther comprises first and second spaced apart projections extendingfrom one side of the blade member, the first projection being movablymounted to the connecting member and the second projection being movablymounted to the slide.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention maybe ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanyingdrawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed descriptionwhich follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way ofnon-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention,in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the disposable andsingle-use blade lancet device with the protective cap installedthereon;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an inside view of the lower housing part of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a top cross-section view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the lower housing part of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a side cross-section view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 shows an inside view of the upper housing part of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-section view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the upper housing part of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a front view of the blade member used in the embodiment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 12 shows a rear view of the blade member shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the blade member of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 shows a cross-section view of the slide member shown in FIG. 16and used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 shows a rear view of the slide member shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a cross-section view of the connecting member shown inFIG. 18 and used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 shows a rear view of the connecting member shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows an inside view of the trigger cap used in the embodimentof FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 shows a rear view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 shows a cross-section of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-section of the protective cap shown in FIG. 23 andused in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 shows a top view of the protective cap shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of the blade lancet device in a fullyassembled state. The protective cap is not shown. The body istransparent and has a front end configuration that is different fromthat of FIG. 1, otherwise the remaining parts are similar to those ofFIG. 1. This embodiment illustrates the positions of the blade member,the connecting member, the spring, the slide member, and the trigger capwhen the blade member is in the first retracted position for theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 28, as well as for the embodiment shownin FIG. 24;

FIG. 25 shows the embodiment of FIG. 24 after the trigger cap has movedinto the body slightly thereby causing the connecting member to contacta stop projection in the lower housing part. This movement causesadditional retraction of the blade member and additional extension ofthe spring. The movement of the trigger cap occurs when a user forcesthe trigger cap against a portion of one's body;

FIG. 26 shows the embodiment of FIG. 24 after the trigger cap has movedfully into the body thereby causing the deflecting arms to engage withand then pass by the slide member. This movement causes the blade memberto move to the extended position under the action of the spring. Themovement of the trigger cap occurs when a user further forces thetrigger cap against a portion of one's body;

FIG. 27 shows the embodiment of FIG. 24 after the blade member has movedto the second retracted position under the action of the spring. In thisposition, the trigger cap is prevented from moving back to the positionshown in FIG. 24 by engagement between the slide member and thedeflecting arms of the trigger cap. Moreover, due to the biasing forceof the spring, the blade member is prevented from moving back to theextended position and is thereby safely held in the body;

FIG. 28 shows a front view of still another embodiment of the disposableand single-use blade lancet device with the protective cap installedthereon;

FIG. 29 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 shows an inside perspective view of the lower housing part ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 shows a top view of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 shows an inside view of the lower housing part of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 shows a side view of the lower housing part of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 shows a rear side view of FIG. 31;

FIG. 36 shows a front perspective view of the upper housing part of theembodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 37 shows a top view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 shows a front view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 shows a side view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 shows an inside view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 41 shows a front view of the blade member used in the embodiment ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 42 shows a side view of the blade member of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 shows a rear view of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 shows a front perspective view of the blade member of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 shows an end view of the connecting member used in theembodiment shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 46 shows a front view of the connecting member of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 shows a side view of the connecting member shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 shows a front perspective view of the connecting member shown inFIG. 45;

FIG. 49 shows a rear view of the connecting member shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 50 shows a rear view of the slide member used in the embodimentshown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 51 shows a side view of the slide member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 shows a front view of the slide member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 shows a top end view of the slide member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 shows a top view of the trigger cap used in the embodiment shownin FIG. 28;

FIG. 55 shows a front view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 shows a side view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 shows a rear view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 58 shows a front perspective view of the trigger cap shown in FIG.54;

FIG. 59 shows a front view of the protective cap used in the embodimentshown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 60 shows an inside bottom end view of the protective cap shown inFIG. 59;

FIG. 61 shows a side view of the protective cap shown in FIG. 59;

FIG. 62 shows a rear view of the trigger cap shown in FIG. 59;

FIG. 63 shows a front perspective view of the protective cap shown inFIG. 59;

FIG. 64 shows a side view of the torsion spring used in the embodimentshown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 65 shows a front view of the torsion spring shown in FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 shows a front perspective view of the torsion spring shown inFIG. 64;

FIG. 67 shows the embodiment of FIG. 28 in a pre-assembled state; and

FIG. 68 shows one non-limiting way in which the torsion spring can beinstalled in the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention onlyand are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be themost useful and readily understood description of the principles andconceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attemptis made to show structural details of the present invention in moredetail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of thepresent invention, the description taken with the drawings makingapparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of thepresent invention may be embodied in practice.

FIGS. 1-23 show a first non-limiting embodiment of a single-use and/ordisposable blade lancet device LD. Lancet device LD has a lancet bodymade up of an upper or front body portion 2 and a lower or rear bodyportion 1. These parts 1 and 2 are connected to each other, e.g., usingadhesives and/or fasteners and/or welding and/or snap-together holdingmechanisms (not shown), when the lancet device LD is initiallyassembled. Preferably, the housing members 1 and 2 are connectedtogether using projections and openings, as shown in the drawings. Ablade member 5 (see FIGS. 11-13) is movably disposed within the bodyparts 1, 2 (e.g., in a manner similar to that shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 24-27). A front end cover or protective cap PC (see also FIGS.22-23) is removably connected or attached to a front portion 1 e/2 e ofthe body parts 1, 2. The protective cap PC can also be similar to theone exemplified in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/441,065filed on May 20, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is herebyexpressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As with many lancet devices, the lancet device defines a plane orsurface SCS which is, e.g., configured to contact (i.e., be positionedagainst) a user's skin. However, the instant embodiment may also utilizeeither an outwardly curved or an outwardly curved skin engaging surfaceSCS beyond which the tip portion 5 a of the lancet blade member 5 (seeFIGS. 11-13) can extend and/or project. Of course, the invention alsocontemplates using a planar front skin engaging surface SCS shown hereinand also of the type described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,112, thedisclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the lancet body 2/1 can have a generallyrectangular shape and can preferably also have an ergonomic shape tofacilitate comfortable gripping/holding. Of course, the inventioncontemplates other shapes for the lancet body provided that they resultin a relatively inexpensive design and/or which is economical toproduce. As explained above, the front end of the lancet device LDincludes a skin engaging surface SCS which is defined by outer surfaceof the trigger cap 3 (see FIGS. 19-21). A lancet blade opening BOextends through an end wall of the trigger cap 3 and serves to allow thetip of lancet blade member 5 to penetrate beyond the surface SCS (seee.g., FIG. 26). In this regard, the trigger cap 3 is movably mounted tothe front end portion of the lancet body. In the instant embodiment, thetrigger cap 3 is a generally rectangular-shaped cap member for reasonsof aesthetic design. However, the invention contemplates a variety ofshapes for the trigger cap 3 such as, e.g., oval, triangular, square,polygonal, etc. Moreover, in the instant embodiment, the trigger cap 3is generally centrally mounted, relative to the sides of the lancetbody. However, the invention contemplates other locations and/orpositions for the trigger cap 3, provided such locations allow thelancet device to function properly. Other ways of associating thetrigger cap 3 on the lancet body are expressly contemplated, such as,e.g., being integral with the housing and acting as a living hinge orspring. The trigger cap 3 is installed in an opening formed by partialopenings 1 a and 2 a of the front cover 2 and rear cover 1 and is sizedto slide within the opening in a smooth low-friction manner. As can beseen in FIGS. 19-21, the trigger cap 3 has shoulders 3 a which engageinner surfaces of the opening 1 a/2 a (see e.g., FIG. 24) whereby thetrigger cap 3 is prevented from falling out of the lancet body onceinstalled. The trigger cap 3 is also sized to be slide intro and/or bepushed into the lancet body (see e.g., FIGS. 25 and 26). However, thismovement is resisted owing to the fact that the trigger cap 3 is biasedtowards an extended position (see e.g., FIG. 24) via a coil extensionspring 4 and also by virtue of engagement between the slide member 6 andthe deflecting arms 3 b and 3 c. This biasing force and engagement canbe overcome, however, when the trigger cap 3 is pushed into the lancetbody sufficiently (see e.g., FIGS. 25 and 26) by applying a force to thesurface SCS. Furthermore, because the trigger cap 3 includes an openingBO, once triggered, the blade tip 5 a will be allowed to passthere-through (see e.g., FIG. 26) in order to penetrate a user's skin.Moreover, because the trigger cap 3 also includes the deflecting arms 3b and 3 c and, due to the tapered surfaces 6 c and 6 d, the trigger cap3 is prevented from moving back to a pre-triggered position by the slidemember 6, the blade member 5, the connecting member 7, and the spring 4.Thus, once triggered, the lancet device LD is automatically renderedunusable again—thereby rendering the device a single-use device, a safedevice because the blade member 5 is safely contained in the housing,and a device which can be disposed of safely.

Although not shown, the lancet body can preferably includes a viewingopening. Alternatively, it can be made of a transparent/translucentmaterial (see embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27) so that the user can viewthe inner workings of the device and will be able to easily note thatthe device is properly set and/or has not be used. If a viewing openingor window is instead utilizes, it can be formed in the front cover 2 andcan be arranged in a convenient area which allows the user to see theposition of the blade member 5. The opening or window, of course, canhave any desired shape or configuration and can be located at anydesired location provided that the user is able to discern the settingposition of the blade member 5. If a viewing window is utilized, it canpreferable be in the area of the finger engaging/gripping portions orindentations FEP.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-23, the lancet device is designed tobe procured and/or purchased in a pre-loaded arrangement (see FIGS.1-3). In order to used the lancet device a single time, a user need onlyremove the protective cap PC (which can be discarded) and, whilegripping oppositely arranged portions FEP, and press the trigger cap 3against the skin of a patient to use it. Once triggered, however, theuser will be unable to use the device again owing to the fact that thisembodiment contains no mechanism for forcing or moving the blade member5 from the position shown in, e.g., FIG. 27 to the armed or retractedposition shown in, e.g., FIG. 24. Moreover, because, before triggering,the spring 4 maintains the blade member 5 in the position shown in,e.g., FIG. 24, the lancet blade member 5, and particularly the tipportion 5 a, is kept safely within the lancet body. Furthermore,because, after triggering, the spring 4 maintains the blade member 5 inthe position shown in, e.g., FIG. 27, the lancet blade member 5, andparticularly the tip portion 5 a, is also kept safely within the lancetbody. Additionally, because of, after triggering, the engagement betweenthe slide member 6 (and in particular surfaces 6 c) and the arms 3 b and3 c (and in particular surfaces 3 b 1 and 3 c 1) of the trigger cap 3,the user will be unable to move the trigger cap 3 back to the positionshown in FIG. 24 and thereby prevent use the device again.

By way of non-limiting example, the armed position of the blade member5, trigger cap 3, connecting member 7, slide member 6, and spring 4shown in, e.g., FIG. 24, can be set when the lancet device ismanufactured and/or assembled, i.e., in a factory setting.

With reference to FIGS. 4-7, it can be seen that the rear body or lowerhousing part 1 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g.,injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic orsynthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The lower body part 1 mayalso be made of ABS—Metallic Silver and have a finish designated asSPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized,without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, the lower bodypart 1 may have an overall length (measured vertically across FIG. 4)that is approximately 40 mm and an overall width (measured horizontallyacross FIG. 4) of approximately 26 mm. Although undesirable for reasonsof cost, the lower body part 1 may even be made of a plurality ofsections of parts which are joined together to form the complete lowerbody part 1, without leaving the scope of the invention.

The lower body part 1 preferably has a front portion 1 e which has asmaller cross-section than the main portion of the part 1. The purposeof this smaller cross-section front portion is to allow the protectingcap PC to be easily installed thereon (see FIGS. 1-3) withoutsignificantly increasing an overall width, length and thickness of thelancet device LD. The lower body part 1 also preferably has, with theexception of portion 1 e and the indented finger gripping portion FEB, agenerally planar inner surface 1 i which extends between the generallystraight side walls. The lower body part 1 additionally preferablyincludes two plate-like guiding projections or ribs 1 d which aregenerally centrally disposed relative to the side walls. The innersurfaces 1 d 1 of these spaced apart substantially parallel projections1 d are sized to movably engage the planar sides 6 e of the slide member6. The upper surfaces 1 d 2 of these spaced apart projections 1 d aredesigned to movably engage with planar surfaces 6 b of the slide member6. The purpose of these spaced-apart plate-like projections 1 d is toguide the slide member 6 and the front portion of the blade member 5back and forth along a generally linear path (see e.g., FIGS. 25-27).Additional plate-like projections 1 g extend perpendicularly from theprojections 1 d. These projections 1 g have an upper surface which isarranged at the same height as the projections 1 d. As a result, theprojections 1 g provide a support surface for the arms 3 b and 3 c and,together with projections 1 d and projections 2 c, provide surfaceswhich both supports the trigger cap 3 and helps guide the movement ofthe trigger cap 3 relative to the lancet body. As can be seen in FIGS.4-6, the lower housing part 1 also includes a projection 1 b which ispositioned adjacent the right side wall. The projection 1 b serves as ananchor for one end of the spring 4 (see e.g., FIG. 24). The projection 1b extends up past the upper edge 1 h of the lower housing part byapproximately 3 mm and substantially extends to the inner surface 2 d ofthe upper housing part 2, thereby preventing the inadvertentdisengagement of the spring 4. The lower housing part 1 also includes atubular projection 1 c whose central opening is sized to receive therein(with a small clearance) the circular projection 7 b of the connectingpart 7. This movable connection allows the connecting member 7 to pivotor rotate about a center axis of the tubular projection 1 c (see e.g.,FIGS. 24-27). The lower housing part 1 further includes a stopprojection 1 j which is positioned to limit the counterclockwisemovement of the connecting member 7 when the trigger cap 3 is moved froman initial position (see e.g., FIG. 24) to another position prior tocausing the triggering of the lancet device (see e.g., FIG. 25). Thelower housing part 1 also includes, by way of non-limiting example, fouropenings 1 k which are sized to frictionally engage and receive thereinfour similarly spaced projections 2 g of the upper housing part 2. Thelower housing part 1 further also includes two spaced apart plate-likestop projections 1 f which extend above the surfaces 1 d 2. Theseprojections 1 f are positioned to engage the ends of the arms 3 b and 3c and act to limit the inward movement of the trigger cap 3 during thetriggering of the lancet device LD. Finally, the lower housing part 1has a stiffening support rib 1 m which supports the blade member 5during its movement and also utilizes a peripheral shoulder 1 l which issized and shaped to engage with the peripheral edge 2 f of the upperhousing part 2.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10, it can be seen that the front body orupper housing part 2 can preferably be made as one-piece structure bye.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of aplastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The upper bodypart 2 may also be made of ABS—Metallic Silver and have a finishdesignated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may beutilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, theupper body part 2 may have an overall length (measured vertically acrossFIG. 8) that is approximately 40 mm and an overall width (measuredhorizontally across FIG. 8) of approximately 26 mm. Although undesirablefor reasons of cost, the upper body part 2 may even be made of aplurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form thecomplete upper body part 2, without leaving the scope of the invention.

The upper body part 1 preferably has a front portion 2 e which has asmaller cross-section than the main portion of the part 2. The purposeof this smaller cross-section front portion is to allow the protectingcap PC to be easily installed thereon (see FIGS. 1-3) withoutsignificantly increasing an overall width, length and thickness of thelancet device LD. The upper body part 2 also preferably has, with theexception of portion 2 e and the indented finger gripping portion FEB, agenerally planar inner surface 2 d which extends between the generallystraight side walls. The upper body part 2 additionally preferablyincludes two plate-like guiding projections or ribs 2 c which aregenerally centrally disposed relative to the side walls. The uppersurfaces of these spaced apart substantially parallel projections 2 care arranged to movably engage the upper side 5 d of the blade member 5.The lower surfaces 2 h of these spaced apart projections 2 c aredesigned to movably engage with planar surface 3 d of the trigger cap 3.A shoulder 2 i is provided on each projection 2 c and is utilized toengage edge 3 e of the trigger cap 3 to limit maximum inward movement ofthe trigger cap 3 into the lancet device LD. As can be seen in FIGS.8-10, the upper housing part 2 also includes a projection 2 b which ispositioned such that its center axis is substantially aligned with thecenter axis of the tubular projection 1 c so that when the housing parts1 and 2 are connected together, the projections 1 c and 2 b act toaxially constrain the axial movement of the connecting member 7, whilealso allowing rotational movement of the connecting member 7 about theaxes of the projections 1 c and 2 b. The upper housing part 2 alsoincludes an inwardly curved indentation 2 j on the inner portion of theleft side wall. This indentation 2 j, together with the projection 1 b,serve to secure one end of the spring 4 (see e.g., FIG. 24). The upperhousing part 2 also includes, by way of non-limiting example, fourprojections 2 g which extend approximately 3 mm above edge 2 f and whichare sized to frictionally engage and penetrate four similarly spacedopenings 1 k of the lower housing part 1. Finally, the upper housingpart 2 utilizes a peripheral edge 2 f which is sized and shaped toengage with the peripheral shoulder 1 l of the lower housing part 1 whenthe upper and lower housing parts 2, 1 are connected/assembled together.

With reference to FIGS. 11-14, the lancet blade member 5 can be astainless steel one-piece stamped member substantially covered or coatedwith a plastic material such as e.g., ABS, and whose tip portion 5 a isshaped with an angled sharpened edge 5 b. The blade member 5 alsoincludes a front edge portion 5 c and a generally rectangular-shapedbody portion. The front side 5 d of the blade member 5 has oneprojection 5 e which is designed to receive one end of the spring 4 anda rear side 5 f having two projections 5 g and 5 h. The blade member 5can also optionally include a D-shaped through opening 5 i. By way ofnon-limiting example, the blade member 5 can have a thickness of betweenapproximately 1 mm and approximately 1.5 mm. The overall length of theblade member can be approximately 33.37 mm and the width can beapproximately 9 mm. As is exemplified in the second embodiment, theprojection 5 h is sized to be received in opening 6 a of the slidemember 6. The other projection 5 g is similarly sized to be received inopening 7 a of the connecting member 7. A small clearance is providedbetween these projections 5 g, 5 h and openings 6 a, 7 a so as to allowunimpeded rotational and/or pivoting movement of the connecting member 7relative to a rear portion of the blade member 5 and to allow unimpededrotational and/or pivoting movement of a front portion of the blademember 5 relative to the slide member 6 (see e.g., FIGS. 24-27). Asexplained above, the front surface 5 d is designed to movably engage theupper surfaces of the two ribs 2 c of the upper housing part 2.

Although not shown, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-23 utilizes a spring 4similar to the spring 4 used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27. Inthis regard, the spring 4, which can be made of spring steel and whichcan have the form of a helical coil spring, has one end coupled to theprojection 5 e of the blade member 5 and another end coupled toprojection 1 b of the lower housing part 1. This spring 4 causes (and/orbiases) the trigger cap 3 towards an extended position, i.e., an initialprior-use position before the trigger cap 3 is activated. This occursbecause the spring 4 wants to move the rear end of the blade member 5 tothe right (see FIG. 24) but is prevented from doing so because ofengagement between angled surfaces 3 b 1 and 3 c 1 of the deflectingarms 3 b and 3 c and the angled surfaces 6 d of the slide member 6.However, when sufficient force is applied to the trigger cap 3 so as tocause the deflecting arms 3 b and 3 c to deflect or bend away from eachother due to engagement with surfaces 6 d of the slide member 6, a pointin the movement will be reached when the arms reach hill portions 6 g.Any further movement past this point will allow the arms 3 b and 3 c tomove towards each other and will allow the spring 4 to move the rearportion of the blade member 5 to the right. This movement, however, willbe along a curved path owing to the fact that the connecting member 7has one end 7 d rotatably connected to the projection 5 g and anotherend 7 b rotatably connected to an opening of a projection 1 c of thelower housing part. The movement of the front portion of the blademember 5 will have both a linear component, due to the linear movementof the slide member 6 as guided by the two guiding ribs 1 d, and acurved component due to the pivoting or rotation of the projection 5 hand in the opening 6 a of the slide member 6. Such movement will, ofcourse, occur very rapidly, i.e., in a fraction of a second and isshown, by way of the example, in FIGS. 24-27.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show various views of the slide member 6. The slidemember 6 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g.,injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic orsynthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The slide member 6 may alsobe made of ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course,other materials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving thescope of the invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example,the slide member 6 may have an overall length that is approximately 7.4mm (measured horizontally across FIG. 15), and over width ofapproximately 5 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 16), and an overallthickness of approximately 2.4 mm. Moreover, the slide member 6 may evenbe made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together toform the complete slide member 6, without leaving the scope of theinvention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piecemember. It would be even more preferable if the slide member 6 wereintegrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrallyformed with the lower body part 1 and connected thereto with a livinghinge (not shown).

As explained above, the slide member 6 has two generally parallel planarsides 6 e which are designed to slidably engage with the inner surfaces1 d 1 of the ribs 1 d and a central opening 6 a which is sized toreceive therein the front projection 5 h of the blade member 5. Thegenerally planar surfaces 6 b of the slide member 6 slidably engageupper surfaces 1 d 2 of the ribs 1 d. An upper surface 6 f of the slidemember contacts the lower surface 5 f of the blade member 5 when theslide member 6 is installed on the blade member 5. Forward angledsurfaces 6 d of the slide member 6 are designed to frictionally slidablyengage with angled surfaces 3 b 1 and 3 c 1 of the arms of the triggercap 3 when the trigger cap 3 is in the initial pre-triggered position(see e.g., FIG. 24). Rear angled surfaces 6 c of the slide member 6 aredesigned to frictionally engage with projections 3 b 2 and 3 c 2 of thearms 3 b, 3 c of the trigger cap 3 when the trigger cap 3 is in thepost-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27).

FIGS. 17 and 18 show various views of the connecting member 7. Theconnecting member 7 can preferably be made as one-piece structure bye.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of aplastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The connectingmember 7 may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated asSPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized,without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way ofnon-limiting example, the connecting member 7 may have an overall lengththat is approximately 11.6 mm (measured horizontally across FIG. 17),and over width of approximately 5 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 18),an overall thickness of projection 7 b of approximately 4 mm, and anoverall thickness of projection 7 d of approximately 3 mm. Moreover, theconnecting member 7 may even be made of a plurality of sections of partswhich are joined together to form the complete connecting member 7,without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferredthat it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferableif the connecting member 7 were integrally formed with the lancet body,and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 1 andconnected thereto with a living hinge (not shown).

As explained above, the connecting member 7 has a generally planar upperside 7 c which is designed to slidably engage with bottom surface 5 f ofthe blade member 5 when the rear projection 5 g is fully inserted intothe opening 7 a. The circular projection 7 b rotatably engages thecentral opening in the tubular projection 1 c. The connecting member 7thus forms connecting link with two pivot/rotatable connection points,i.e., one formed by the projection 7 b and the opening of projection 1 cof the lower housing 1, and another formed by the opening 7 a andprojection 5 h of the blade member 5.

FIGS. 19-21 show various views of the trigger cap 3. The trigger cap 3can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injectionmolding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or syntheticresin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The trigger cap 3 may also be made ofABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, othermaterials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope ofthe invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the triggercap 3 may have an overall length that is approximately 13.3 mm (measuredfrom surface SCS to the ends of arms 3 b and 3 c), and over width ofapproximately 17.3 mm (measured across the shoulders 3 a), and anoverall thickness of approximately 4.2 mm. Moreover, the trigger cap 3may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joinedtogether to form the complete trigger cap 3, without leaving the scopeof the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piecemember. It would be even more preferable if the trigger cap 3 wereintegrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrallyformed with the lower body part 1 and connected thereto with a livinghinge (not shown).

As explained above, the trigger cap 3 has two generally parallel planarsides 3 d and 3 f. Upper surface 3 d is designed to slidably engage withthe upper surfaces 2 h of the upper housing 2 and lower surface 3 f isdesigned to slidably engage with upper surfaces 1 d 2 of the ribs 1 d aswell as upper surfaces of the ribs 1 g. The generally parallel arms 3 b,3 c include angled surfaces 3 b 1, 3 c 1 and inward facing projections 3b 2, 3 c 2. The angled surfaces 3 b 1 and 3 c 1 are designed tofrictionally slidably engage with angled surfaces 6 d of the slidemember 6 when the trigger cap 3 is in the initial pre-triggered position(see e.g., FIG. 24). Projections 3 b 2 and 3 c 2 of the arms 3 b, 3 cfrictionally engage the rear angled surfaces 6 c of the slide member 6when the trigger cap 3 is in the post-triggered position (see e.g., FIG.27). By way of non-limiting example, the blade receiving opening BO canhave a rectangular configuration as is shown in FIG. 19, with the widthbeing significantly larger than the height. Other shapes are alsocontemplated for the opening BO.

FIGS. 22-23 show various views of the protective cap PC. The cap PC canpreferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injection molding. Inthis regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or synthetic resin suchas, e.g., ABS plastic. The cap PC may also be made of ABS—red and have afinish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishesmay be utilized, without leaving the scope of the invention.Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the cap PC may have anoverall thickness that is approximately 12.3 mm (measured horizontallyin FIG. 22), and an overall width of approximately 13.6 mm (measuredvertically in FIG. 23), and an overall length of approximately 21.7 mm(measured horizontally in FIG. 23). Moreover, the cap PC may even bemade of a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together toform the complete cap PC, without leaving the scope of the invention,although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It wouldbe even more preferable if the cap PC were integrally formed with thelancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with the lower bodypart 1 and connected thereto with a living hinge (not shown). Asexplained above, the cap PC has generally parallel planar sides whoseinner surfaces are designed to frictionally engage portions 1 e/2 e ofthe body parts.

The operation of the device shown in FIGS. 1-23 will now be explainedwith reference to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27. Althoughthe first embodiment is different from the second embodiment, thedifferences mainly relate to the configuration of the front portion ofthe housing parts and also that the configuration of the slide memberguiding ribs of the lower housing part, and also related to the factthat the upper and lower housing parts can be transparent and/ortranslucent. The operation of both devices is, however, substantiallysimilar. Thus, FIG. 24 shows the position of the trigger cap TC prior tothe lancet device LD being used. In this position, the blade member BMis in a first retracted position, the spring 4 applies a tension, theconnecting member CM is rotated to the 11 O'clock position, and thefront angled surfaces of the slide member SM are in engagement with theangled surfaces of the arms of the trigger cap TC. FIG. 25 shows theposition of the trigger cap TC just after a force F is applied thereto,as will generally occur when the trigger cap TC is pressed against auser's skin. In this position, the trigger cap TC has moved inwardly andcaused the slide member SM to move down, which in turn has caused theblade member BM to move to another even more retracted position limitedby contact between the connecting member CM and a projection fixed tothe body. In this additional retracted position, the spring 4 becomesmore elongated and tensioned, the connecting member CM is rotated to the10 O'clock position, and the front angled surfaces of the slide memberSM continue to be engagement with the angled surfaces of the arms of thetrigger cap TC. FIG. 26 shows the position of the trigger cap TC justafter an even greater force F is applied thereto, as will generallyoccur when the trigger cap TC is pressed sufficiently against a user'sskin to cause automatic triggering of the lancet device LD. In thisposition, the trigger cap TC has moved inwardly to its fullest extent.Because the blade member BM and the projection have prevented furtherinward movement of the slide member SM, the arms of the trigger cap TChave been forced apart as they pass to angled surfaces 6 c. Thismovement releases the slide member SM from engagement with the arms ofthe trigger cap TC and allows the spring 4 to cause rear end of theblade member BM to rotate in the clockwise direction until it reachesthe position shown in FIG. 27. However, as the blade member BM movesfrom the position of FIG. 25 to the position of FIG. 27, it moves pastthe position shown in FIG. 26 thereby allowing the tip of the blademember BM to penetrate a user's skin. In moving from the position ofFIG. 26 to the position of FIG. 27, however, the blade member BM, underthe action of the spring 4, moves the slide member SM inward until therear angled surfaces engage the inward facing projections of the arms ofthe trigger cap TC thereby preventing the trigger cap TC from movingback out to the position shown in FIG. 24. The spring 4 also preventsthe blade member BM from rotating counterclockwise which ensures thatthe tip of the blade member BM is not inadvertently caused to projectoutside of the blade opening. In the position of FIG. 27, the connectingmember CM is rotated to the 2 O'clock position, and the rear angledsurfaces of the slide member SM continue to be engagement with the innerprojections of the arms of the trigger cap TC. The corresponding partsof the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27 can have similar and/or identicalconfigurations/dimensions/materials as those described with regard toFIGS. 1-23, will not be described in detail herein.

FIGS. 28-67 show a third non-limiting preferred embodiment of asingle-use and/or disposable blade lancet device LD. Lancet device LDhas a lancet body made up of an upper or front body portion 20 and alower or rear body portion 10. These parts 10 and 20 are connected toeach other, e.g., using adhesives and/or fasteners and/or welding and/orsnap-together holding mechanisms (not shown), when the lancet device LDis initially assembled. Preferably, the housing members 10 and 20 areconnected together using projections and openings, as shown in thedrawings. A blade member 50 (see FIGS. 41-43) is movably disposed withinthe body parts 10, 20 (e.g., in a manner similar to that shown in theembodiment of FIGS. 24-27). A front end cover or protective cap PC′ (seealso FIGS. 59-63) is removably connected or attached via, e.g., recessesR and projections P, to a front portion 10 e/20 e of the body parts 10,20. The protective cap PC′ can also be similar to the one exemplified incopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/441,065 filed on May 20,2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The lancet device defines a plane or surface SCS which is, e.g.,configured to contact (i.e., be positioned against) a user's skin.However, the instant embodiment may also utilize either an outwardlycurved or an outwardly curved skin engaging surface SCS beyond which thetip portion 50 a of the lancet blade member 50 (see FIGS. 41-44) canextend and/or project. Of course, the invention also contemplates usinga planar front skin engaging surface SCS shown herein and also of thetype described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,112, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As can be seen in FIGS. 28-30, the lancet body 20/10 can have agenerally rectangular shape and can preferably also have an ergonomicshape to facilitate comfortable gripping/holding. Of course, theinvention contemplates other shapes for the lancet body provided thatthey result in a relatively inexpensive design and/or which iseconomical to produce. As explained above, the front end of the lancetdevice LD includes a skin engaging surface SCS which is defined by outersurface of the trigger cap 30 (see FIGS. 54-58). A lancet blade openingBO′ extends through an end wall of the trigger cap 30 and serves toallow the tip of lancet blade member 50 to penetrate beyond the surfaceSCS (see e.g., FIG. 26). In this regard, the trigger cap 30 is movablymounted to the front end portion of the lancet body. In the instantembodiment, the trigger cap 30 is a generally rectangular-shaped capmember for reasons of aesthetic design. However, the inventioncontemplates a variety of shapes for the trigger cap 30 such as, e.g.,oval, triangular, square, polygonal, etc. Moreover, in the instantembodiment, the trigger cap 30 is generally centrally mounted, relativeto the sides of the lancet body. However, the invention contemplatesother locations and/or positions for the trigger cap 30, provided suchlocations allow the lancet device to function properly. Other ways ofassociating the trigger cap 30 on the lancet body are expresslycontemplated, such as, e.g., being integral with the housing and actingas a living hinge or spring. The trigger cap 30 is installed in anopening formed by partial openings 10 a and 20 a of the front cover 20and rear cover 10 and is sized to slide within the opening 10 a/20 a ina smooth low-friction manner. As can be seen in FIGS. 54-58, the triggercap 30 has shoulders 30 a which engage inner surfaces of the opening 10a/20 a (see e.g., FIG. 24) whereby the trigger cap 30 is prevented fromfalling out of the lancet body once installed. The trigger cap 30 isalso sized to be slide intro and/or be pushed into the lancet body (seee.g., FIGS. 25 and 26). However, this movement is resisted owing to thefact that the trigger cap 30 is biased towards an extended position (seee.g., FIG. 24) via a torsion spring 40 and also by virtue of engagementbetween the slide member 60 and the deflecting arms 30 b and 30 c. Thisbiasing force and engagement can be overcome, however, when the triggercap 30 is pushed into the lancet body sufficiently (see e.g., FIGS. 25and 26) by applying a force to the surface SCS. Furthermore, because thetrigger cap 30 includes an opening BO′, once triggered, the blade tip 50a will be allowed to pass there-through (see e.g., FIG. 26) in order topenetrate a user's skin. Moreover, because the trigger cap 30 alsoincludes the deflecting arms 30 b and 30 c and, due to the taperedsurfaces 60 c and 60 d, the trigger cap 30 is prevented from moving backto a pre-triggered position by the slide member 60, the blade member 50,the connecting member 70, and the spring 40. Thus, once triggered, thelancet device LD is automatically rendered unusable again—therebyrendering the device a single-use device, a safe device because theblade member 50 is safely contained in the housing, and a device whichcan be disposed of safely.

Although not shown, the lancet body can preferably includes a viewingopening. Alternatively, it can be made of a transparent/translucentmaterial (see embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27) so that the user can viewthe inner workings of the device and will be able to easily note thatthe device is properly set and/or has not be used. If a viewing openingor window is instead utilizes, it can be formed in the front cover 20and can be arranged in a convenient area which allows the user to seethe position of the blade member 50. The opening or window, of course,can have any desired shape or configuration and can be located at anydesired location provided that the user is able to discern the settingposition of the blade member 50. If a viewing window is utilized, it canpreferable be in the area of the finger engaging/gripping portions orindentations FEP.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28-67, the lancet device LD is designedto be procured and/or purchased in a pre-loaded arrangement (see FIGS.28-30). In order to used the lancet device LD a single time, a user needonly remove the protective cap PC′ (which can be discarded) and, whilegripping oppositely arranged ergonomic finger gripping portions FEP, andpress the trigger cap 30 against the skin of a patient to use it. Oncetriggered, however, the user will be unable to use the device againowing to the fact that this embodiment, like the two previouslydescribed embodiments, contains no mechanism for forcing or moving theblade member 50 from the post-triggering or second retracted positionshown in, e.g., FIG. 27, to the armed or first retracted position shownin, e.g., FIG. 24. Moreover, because, before triggering, the spring 40maintains the blade member 50 in the first retracted position (see e.g.,FIG. 24), the lancet blade member 50, and particularly the tip portion50 a, is kept safely within the lancet body. Furthermore, because, aftertriggering, the spring 40 maintains the blade member 5 in the secondretracted position (see e.g., FIG. 27), the lancet blade member 50, andparticularly the tip portion 50 a, is also kept safely within the lancetbody. Additionally, because of, after triggering, the engagement betweenthe slide member 60 (and in particular surfaces 60 c) and the arms 30 band 30 c (and in particular surfaces 30 b 1 and 30 c 1) of the triggercap 30, the user will be unable to move the trigger cap 30 back to thefirst retracted or pre-triggering position (see e.g., FIG. 24) andthereby prevent use the device again.

By way of non-limiting example, the armed position of the blade member50, trigger cap 30, connecting member 70, slide member 60, and spring 40can be set when the lancet device is manufactured and/or assembled,i.e., in a factory setting.

With reference to FIGS. 31-35, it can be seen that the rear body orlower housing part 10 can preferably be made as one-piece structure bye.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of aplastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The lower bodypart 10 may also be made of ABS—Metallic Silver and have a finishdesignated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may beutilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, thelower body part 10 may have an overall length (measured verticallyacross FIG. 33) that is approximately 40 mm and an overall width(measured horizontally across FIG. 33) of approximately 26 mm. Althoughundesirable for reasons of cost, the lower body part 10 may even be madeof a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to formthe complete lower body part 10, without leaving the scope of theinvention.

The lower body part 10 preferably has a front portion 10 e which has asmaller cross-section than the main portion of the part 10. The purposeof this smaller cross-section front portion is to allow the protectingcap PC′ to be easily installed thereon (see FIGS. 28-30) withoutsignificantly increasing an overall width, length and thickness of thelancet device LD. The lower body part 10 also preferably has, with theexception of portion 10 e and the indented finger gripping portion FEB,a generally planar inner surface 10 i which extends between thegenerally straight side walls. The lower body part 10 additionallypreferably includes two plate-like guiding projections or ribs 10 dwhich are generally centrally disposed relative to the side walls. Theinner surfaces 10 d 1 of these spaced apart substantially parallelprojections 10 d are sized to movably engage the planar sides 60 e ofthe slide member 60. The upper surfaces 10 d 2 of these spaced apartprojections 10 d are designed to movably engage with planar surfaces 60b of the slide member 60. The purpose of these spaced-apart plate-likeprojections 10 d is to guide the slide member 60 and the front portionof the blade member 50 back and forth along a generally linear path (seee.g., FIGS. 25-27). Additional plate-like projections 10 g extendperpendicularly from the projections 10 d. These projections 10 g havean upper surface which is arranged at the same height as the projections10 d. As a result, the projections 10 g provide a support surface forthe arms 30 b and 30 c and, together with projections 10 d andprojections 20 c, provide surfaces which both supports the trigger cap30 and helps guide the movement of the trigger cap 30 relative to thelancet body. As can be seen in FIGS. 31 and 33 the lower housing part 10also includes a projection 10 c which serves as a support for theopening of the torsion spring 40 (see e.g., FIGS. 64-66). The projection10 c extends up from the inner surface 10 i of the lower housing part 10by approximately 3 mm and substantially extends to the upper surface ofprojection 20 b of the upper housing part 20, thereby preventing theinadvertent disengagement of the spring 40. The tubular projection 10 chas a central opening sized to receive therein (with a small clearance)the circular projection 70 b of the connecting part 70. This movableconnection allows the connecting member 70 to pivot or rotate about acenter axis of the tubular projection 10 c (in a manner similar to thatshown in, e.g., FIGS. 24-27). The lower housing part 10 further includesstop projections 10 j and 10 b. Stop projection 10 j is positioned tolimit the counterclockwise movement of the connecting member 70 when thetrigger cap 30 is moved from an initial position (see e.g., FIG. 24) toanother position prior to causing the triggering of the lancet device(see e.g., FIG. 25). Stop projection 10 b is positioned to limit theclockwise movement of the connecting member 70 after the trigger cap 30is moved to the post-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27). The lowerhousing part 10 also includes, by way of non-limiting example, fouropenings 10 k which are sized to frictionally engage and receive thereinfour similarly spaced projections 20 g of the upper housing part 20. Thelower housing part 10 further also includes two spaced apart plate-likestop projections 10 f which extend above the surfaces 10 d 2. Theseprojections 10 f are positioned to engage the ends of the arms 30 b and30 c and act to limit the inward movement of the trigger cap 30 duringthe triggering of the lancet device LD. Finally, the lower housing part10 has a stiffening support rib 10 m which supports the blade member 50during its movement and also utilizes a peripheral shoulder 10 l whichis sized and shaped to engage with the peripheral edge 20 f of the upperhousing part 20.

With reference to FIGS. 36-40, it can be seen that the front body orupper housing part 20 can preferably be made as one-piece structure bye.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of aplastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The upper bodypart 20 may also be made of ABS—Metallic Silver and have a finishdesignated as SPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may beutilized, without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, theupper body part 20 may have an overall length (measured verticallyacross FIG. 38) that is approximately 40 mm and an overall width(measured horizontally across FIG. 38) of approximately 26 mm. Althoughundesirable for reasons of cost, the upper body part 20 may even be madeof a plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to formthe complete upper body part 20, without leaving the scope of theinvention.

The upper body part 10 preferably has a front portion 20 e which has asmaller cross-section than the main portion of the part 20. The purposeof this smaller cross-section front portion is to allow the protectingcap PC′ to be easily installed thereon (see FIGS. 28-30) withoutsignificantly increasing an overall width, length and thickness of thelancet device LD. The upper body part 20 also preferably has, with theexception of portion 20 e and the indented finger gripping portion FEB,a generally planar inner surface 20 d which extends between thegenerally straight side walls. The upper body part 20 additionallypreferably includes two plate-like guiding projections or ribs 20 cwhich are generally centrally disposed relative to the side walls. Theupper surfaces of these spaced apart substantially parallel projections20 c are arranged to movably engage the upper side 50 d of the blademember 50. The lower surfaces 20 h of these spaced apart projections 20c are designed to movably engage with planar surface 30 d of the triggercap 30. A shoulder 20 i is provided on each projection 20 c and isutilized to engage edge 30 e of the trigger cap 30 to limit maximuminward movement of the trigger cap 30 into the lancet device LD. As canbe seen in FIGS. 37 and 40, the upper housing part 20 also includes aprojection 20 b which is positioned such that its center axis issubstantially aligned with the center axis of the tubular projection 10c so that when the housing parts 10 and 20 are connected together, theprojections 10 c and 20 b act to axially constrain the axial movement ofthe connecting member 70, while also allowing rotational movement of theconnecting member 70 about the axes of the projections 10 c and 20 b.The upper housing part 20 also includes, by way of non-limiting example,four projections 20 g which extend approximately 3 mm above edge 20 fand which are sized to frictionally engage and penetrate four similarlyspaced openings 10 k of the lower housing part 10. Finally, the upperhousing part 2 utilizes a peripheral edge 20 f which is sized and shapedto engage with the peripheral shoulder 10 l of the lower housing part 10when the upper and lower housing parts 20, 10 are connected/assembledtogether.

With reference to FIGS. 41-44, the lancet blade member 50 can be astainless steel one-piece stamped member substantially covered or coatedwith a plastic material such as e.g., ABS, and whose tip portion 50 a isshaped with an angled sharpened edge 50 b. The blade member 50 alsoincludes a front edge portion 50 c and a generally rectangular-shapedbody portion. The front side 50 d of the blade member 50 is generallyplanar surface. A rear side 50 f having two projections 50 g and 50 h.The blade member 50 can also optionally include a D-shaped throughopening 50 i. By way of non-limiting example, the blade member 50 canhave a thickness of between approximately 1 mm and approximately 1.5 mm.The overall length of the blade member can be approximately 33.37 mm andthe width can be approximately 9 mm. As is exemplified in the secondembodiment, the projection 50 h is sized to be received in opening 60 aof the slide member 60. Due to the fact that the projection 50 h hasdeflecting portions, the projection 50 h can be inserted into opening 60a and become axially connected to the slide member 60 via a snapconnection. The other projection 50 g is similarly sized to be receivedin opening 70 a of the connecting member 70. A small clearance isprovided between these projections 50 g, 50 h and openings 60 a, 70 a soas to allow unimpeded rotational and/or pivoting movement of theconnecting member 70 relative to a rear portion of the blade member 50and to allow unimpeded rotational and/or pivoting movement of a frontportion of the blade member 50 relative to the slide member 60 (seee.g., FIGS. 24-27). As explained above, the front surface 50 d isdesigned to movably engage the upper surfaces of the two ribs 20 c ofthe upper housing part 20.

As shown in FIG. 67, the embodiment of FIGS. 28-67 utilizes a spring 40which is different than the spring 4 used in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 24-27. Of course, the invention contemplates using the extensionspring 4 in place of the torsion spring 40 in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 28-67. In this regard, the spring 40, which can be made of springsteel and which can have the form of a torsion spring, has one end 40 bwhich can be positioned between the projection 10 j and the bottom wallof the lower housing part 10 and another end 40 c which engagesprojection 70 d. This spring 40 causes (and/or biases) the trigger cap30 towards an extended position, i.e., an initial prior-use positionbefore the trigger cap 30 is activated. This occurs because the spring40 wants to move the rear end of the blade member 50 to the right(similar to that shown in FIG. 24) but is prevented from doing sobecause of engagement between angled surfaces 30 b 1 and 30 c 1 of thedeflecting arms 30 b and 30 c and the angled surfaces 60 d of the slidemember 60. However, when sufficient force is applied to the trigger cap30 so as to cause the deflecting arms 30 b and 30 c to deflect or bendaway from each other due to engagement with surfaces 60 d of the slidemember 60, a point in the movement will be reached when the arms reachhill portions 60 g. Any further movement past this point will allow thearms 30 b and 30 c to move towards each other and will allow the spring40 to move the rear portion of the blade member 50 to the right. Thismovement, however, will be along a curved path owing to the fact thatthe connecting member 70 has one end 70 d rotatably connected to theprojection 50 g and another end 70 b rotatably connected to an openingof a projection 10 c of the lower housing part 10. The movement of thefront portion of the blade member 50 will have both a linear component,due to the linear movement of the slide member 60 as guided by the twoguiding ribs 10 d, and a curved component due to the pivoting orrotation of the projection 50 h and in the opening 60 a of the slidemember 60. Such movement will, of course, occur very rapidly, i.e., in afraction of a second and is shown, by way of the example, in FIGS.24-27.

FIGS. 45-49 show various views of the connecting member 70. Theconnecting member 70 can preferably be made as one-piece structure bye.g., injection molding. In this regard, it is preferably made of aplastic or synthetic resin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The connectingmember 70 may also be made of ABS—red and have a finish designated asSPI-A2. Of course, other materials and/or finishes may be utilized,without leaving the scope of the invention. Additionally, by way ofnon-limiting example, the connecting member 70 may have an overalllength that is approximately 11.6 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 46),and over width of approximately 5 mm (measured horizontally in FIG. 46),an overall thickness of projection 70 b of approximately 4 mm, and anoverall thickness of projection 70 d of approximately 3 mm. Moreover,the connecting member 70 may even be made of a plurality of sections ofparts which are joined together to form the complete connecting member70, without leaving the scope of the invention, although it is preferredthat it be formed a one-piece member. It would be even more preferableif the connecting member 70 were integrally formed with the lancet body,and in particular, integrally formed with the lower body part 10 andconnected thereto with a living hinge (not shown).

As explained above, the connecting member 70 has a generally planarupper side 70 c which is designed to slidably engage with bottom surface50 f of the blade member 50 when the rear projection 50 g is fullyinserted into the opening 70 a. The circular projection 70 b rotatablyengages the central opening in the tubular projection 10 c. Theprojection 70 b also includes deflecting projections which provides asnap connection when inserted in the opening of the tubular projection10 c. This connection ensures that the connecting member 70 has limitedaxial movement while still allowing the connecting member 70 to rotateabout an axis running through the tubular projection 10 c. Theconnecting member 70 thus forms connecting link with two pivot/rotatableconnection points, i.e., one formed by the projection 70 b and theopening of projection 10 c of the lower housing 10, and another formedby the opening 70 a and the rear projection 50 h of the blade member 50.FIG. 68 illustrates how the spring 40 can be installed relative to theconnecting member 60 so as to bias the connecting member towardsrotating in a clockwise direction. As is shown, one end of the spring 40b can contact an inner surface of the bottom wall of the lower housingpart 10 and another end 40 c can contact the projection 70 d.

FIGS. 50-53 show various views of the slide member 60. The slide member60 can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injectionmolding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or syntheticresin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The slide member 60 may also be madeof ABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, othermaterials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope ofthe invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the slidemember 60 may have an overall length that is approximately 7.4 mm(measured horizontally across FIG. 50), and over width of approximately5 mm (measured vertically in FIG. 50), and an overall thickness ofapproximately 2.4 mm. Moreover, the slide member 60 may even be made ofa plurality of sections of parts which are joined together to form thecomplete slide member 60, without leaving the scope of the invention,although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piece member. It wouldbe even more preferable if the slide member 60 were integrally formedwith the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed with thelower body part 10 and connected thereto with a living hinge (notshown).

As explained above, the slide member 60 has two generally parallelplanar sides 60 e which are designed to slidably engage with the innersurfaces 10 d 1 of the ribs 10 d and a central opening 60 a which issized to receive therein the front projection 50 h (thereby forming asnap connection) of the blade member 50. The generally planar surfaces60 b of the slide member 60 slidably engage upper surfaces 10 d 2 of theribs 10 d. An upper surface 60 f of the slide member 60 contacts thelower surface 50 f of the blade member 50 when the slide member 60 issnap connected to the blade member 50. This connection allows the slidemember 60 to rotate relative to the projection 50 h while ensuring thatthe slide member 60 cannot move axially relative to the blade member 50.Forward angled surfaces 60 d of the slide member 60 are designed tofrictionally slidably engage with angled surfaces 30 b 1 and 30 c 1 ofthe arms of the trigger cap 30 when the trigger cap 30 is in the initialpre-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 24). Rear angled surfaces 60 c ofthe slide member 60 are designed to frictionally engage with projections30 b 2 and 30 c 2 of the arms 30 b, 30 c of the trigger cap 30 when thetrigger cap 30 is in the post-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27).

FIGS. 54-58 show various views of the trigger cap 30. The trigger cap 30can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injectionmolding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or syntheticresin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The trigger cap 30 may also be made ofABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, othermaterials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope ofthe invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the triggercap 30 may have an overall length that is approximately 13.3 mm(measured from surface SCS to the ends of arms 30 b and 30 c), and overwidth of approximately 17.3 mm (measured across the shoulders 30 a), andan overall thickness of approximately 4.2 mm. Moreover, the trigger cap30 may even be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joinedtogether to form the complete trigger cap 30, without leaving the scopeof the invention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piecemember. It would be even more preferable if the trigger cap 30 wereintegrally formed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrallyformed with the lower body part 1 and connected thereto with a livinghinge (not shown).

As explained above, the trigger cap 30 has two generally parallel planarsides 30 d and 30 f. Upper surface 30 d is designed to slidably engagewith the upper surfaces 20 h of the upper housing 20 and lower surface30 f is designed to slidably engage with upper surfaces 10 d 2 of theribs 10 d as well as upper surfaces of the ribs 10 g. The generallyparallel arms 30 b, 30 c include angled surfaces 30 b 1, 30 c 1 andinward facing projections 30 b 2, 30 c 2. The angled surfaces 30 b 1 and30 c 1 are designed to frictionally slidably engage with angled surfaces60 d of the slide member 60 when the trigger cap 30 is in the initialpre-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 24). Projections 30 b 2 and 30 c2 of the arms 30 b, 30 c frictionally engage the rear angled surfaces 60c of the slide member 60 when the trigger cap 30 is in thepost-triggered position (see e.g., FIG. 27). By way of non-limitingexample, the blade receiving opening BO′ can have a rectangularconfiguration as is shown in FIG. 54 with oppositely arranged circularopenings sized to receive therein protruding members PM (see FIGS.59-63). Other shapes are also contemplated for the opening BO′.

FIGS. 59-63 show various views of the protective cap PC′. The cap PC′can preferably be made as one-piece structure by e.g., injectionmolding. In this regard, it is preferably made of a plastic or syntheticresin such as, e.g., ABS plastic. The cap PC′ may also be made ofABS—red and have a finish designated as SPI-A2. Of course, othermaterials and/or finishes may be utilized, without leaving the scope ofthe invention. Additionally, by way of non-limiting example, the cap PC′may have an overall thickness that is approximately 12.3 mm (measuredhorizontally in FIG. 61), and an overall width of approximately 13.6 mm(measured vertically in FIG. 61), and an overall length of approximately21.7 mm (measured horizontally in FIG. 59). Moreover, the cap PC′ mayeven be made of a plurality of sections of parts which are joinedtogether to form the complete cap PC′, without leaving the scope of theinvention, although it is preferred that it be formed a one-piecemember. It would be even more preferable if the cap PC′ were integrallyformed with the lancet body, and in particular, integrally formed withthe lower body part 10 and connected thereto with a living hinge (notshown). As explained above, the cap PC′ has generally parallel planarsides whose inner surfaces can include projections P which frictionallyengage with recesses R of the body parts 20, 10.

All the parts of the lancet device, with the exception of the springs(which can be made of spring steel) and with the exception of the lancetblade member/blade tip, may be made from plastic materials and can beformed using conventional injection molding techniques or other knownmanufacturing methods. However, when practical, other materials andmanufacturing processes may also be utilized.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely forthe purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limitingof the present invention. While the present invention has been describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the wordswhich have been used herein are words of description and illustration,rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purviewof the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention in itsaspects. Although the present invention has been described herein withreference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosedherein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionallyequivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A single-use blade lancet device, comprising: abody comprising a rear end and a front end; a triggering mechanismcomprising a blade tip opening, the triggering mechanism being at leastone of associated with the body and mounted to the body; a blade membermovably mounted within the body and comprising a front end and a rearend; the blade member being movable at least between a first retractedposition, an extended position, and a second retracted position; abiasing arrangement that biases the blade member from the firstretracted position towards the extended position and then towards thesecond retracted position; and a guiding arrangement which guides theblade member while the blade member moves from the first retractedposition towards the extended position and then towards the secondretracted position, wherein, during movement of the blade member, theguiding arrangement ensures that the blade member both moves along acurved path and slides in a linear direction which is substantiallyparallel to an axis extending from the blade tip opening to the rear endof the body.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the biasing arrangementcomprises a spring.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the biasingarrangement comprises at least one extension spring.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the biasing arrangement comprises at least one torsionspring.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism ismovably mounted to the front end of the body.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the triggering mechanism comprises a cap portion which, at leastin the first retracted position, extends out from the body, and at leastone arm arranged within the body.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein thebody comprises a first housing part connected to a second housing part.8. The device of claim 1, wherein the blade member comprises a bodyportion made of one material and a blade tip portion made of a differentmaterial.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the guiding arrangementcomprises two projections coupled to the blade member, a pivotallymounted connecting member, and two substantially parallel guidingmembers coupled to the body.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein theguiding arrangement comprises two spaced apart guiding projectionscoupled to one housing part of the body and two spaced apart guidingprojections coupled to another housing part of the body.
 11. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises at least twogenerally circular projections, a movably mounted connecting member, andat least two spaced apart generally linear guide members.
 12. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises first and secondprojections extending from one side of the blade member, a movablymounted connecting member having one end movably connected to the firstprojection and another end movably connected to a portion of the body,and a slide movably coupled to the second projection and movably guidedby two spaced apart members coupled to the body.
 13. The device of claim1, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises a plurality of non-movableprojections, a movably mounted connecting member, guiding memberscoupled to the body, and a movably guided slide.
 14. The device of claim1, wherein the triggering mechanism comprises two arms which deflectaway from each other to cause automatic movement of the blade memberfrom the first retracted position to the extended position and then tothe second retracted position.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein thefront end of the body comprises a generally rectangular-shaped openingwhich receives therein a generally rectangular-shaped portion of thetriggering mechanism.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the triggeringmechanism comprises at least one arm which deflects to cause automaticmovement of the blade member from the first retracted position toanother more retracted position, then to the extended position, and thento the second retracted position.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein thebody comprises a generally rectangular-shaped body havingergonomically-shaped finger gripping portions. 18-52. (canceled)
 53. Adisposable and single-use blade lancet device, comprising: a bodycomprising a rear end and a front end; a movable cap member comprising:a portion extending into the body; and a portion extending outside thebody and having a skin engaging surface and a blade tip opening; a blademember movably mounted within the body and comprising a blade tip andprojections arranged on opposite sides of the blade member; the blademember being movable at least between an initial retracted position, anextended position, and a final position that is different than theinitial retracted position; a spring arranged inside the body; and amovable guiding member arranged within the body, coupled to the blademember and having a projecting portion that extends into a space formedby two substantially parallel surfaces arranged within the body,wherein, during triggering caused by liner movement of the cap relativeto the body, both the guiding member and the blade member move withinthe body.
 54. The device of claim 53, wherein the blade member is ametal member covered or coated with a plastic material.
 55. The deviceof claim 53, wherein the body comprises a generally rectangular-shapedbody.
 56. The device of claim 53, wherein the spring has an end incontact with the blade member.
 57. The device of claim 53, wherein thespring has an end in contact with an inner surface of the body.
 58. Thedevice of claim 53, wherein the can has two spaced-apart arms projectingfrom a rear end of the cap.
 59. The device of claim 53, wherein theblade tip opening is a slot.
 60. A disposable and single-use bladelancet device, comprising: a body comprising a rear end and a front end;a removable cover preventing use of the device; a movable cap membercomprising: a portion extending into the body; and a portion extendingoutside the body and having a skin engaging surface and a blade tipopening; a blade member movably mounted within the body and comprising ablade tip; projections located on opposite sides of the blade member;the blade member being movable at least between an initial position, askin puncturing position, and a final position that is different thanthe initial position; a spring arranged inside the body; and a movableguiding member arranged within the body, in contact with the blademember and functioning to guide the movement of the blade member withinthe body, wherein, during triggering caused by liner movement of the caprelative to the body, the guiding member is guided by surfaces arrangedin the body and the blade member has its movement guided by the guidemember.
 61. The device of claim 60, wherein the blade member is a metalmember covered or coated with a plastic material.
 62. A disposable andsingle-use blade lancet device, comprising: a rectangular-shaped body; aremovable cover preventing use of the device; a movable cap membercomprising: a portion extending into the body; and a portion extendingoutside the body and having a skin engaging surface and a blade tipopening; a blade member movably mounted within the body and comprising ablade tip; projections positioned on opposite sides of the blade member;the blade member being movable at least between an initial position, askin puncturing position, and a final position that is different thanthe initial position; in the initial position, the blade tip is arrangedon one side of an imaginary center line of the body passing through theblade tip opening; in the final position, the blade tip is arranged onan opposite side of the imaginary center line of the body passingthrough the blade tip opening; a spring arranged inside the body; and aguiding member arranged within the body, in contact with the blademember and functioning to guide the movement of the blade member withinthe body, wherein, during triggering caused by liner movement of the caprelative to the body, the guiding member is guided by parallel surfacesarranged in the body.
 63. The device of claim 62, wherein the blademember is a metal member covered or coated with a plastic material.